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The Hospitality House Board of Directors has selected Tina Krause as its new Executive Director replacing Lynne Mason, who is retiring June 30, 2014 after twelve years with the agency and thirty-one years in the social work field. The search for a new executive director commenced
with the personnel committee and current staff conducting a thorough organizational assessment and structural analysis. That process resulted in the decision to promote Krause from her current position as Director of Services to the role of Executive Director. “I am grateful for the diligence and professionalism of our board and staff during this process,” states outgoing executive director Lynne Mason. “We were all on the same page regarding best practices for moving forward and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Tina has done an excellent job as director of services and is very familiar with the work of the agency. She brings a strong passion and commitment to the work we do and is well respected by our staff.” Mason continues, “I have the utmost confidence in Tina assuming new responsibilities as the executive director and look forward to working with her to insure a smooth transition.” Krause joined Hospitality House as Director of Services in August, 2011 after serving as Director of Community and Program Services for United Way of Wilkes. During her United Way tenure she received the Randy Lyons Memorial Award for Excellence in Service. Krause currently serves as an ally for the nonprofit Wilkes Circle of Care, of which she was a founding board member. Previously, she served eight years as Program Coordinator and Educator for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. “I am both humbled by and appreciative of the board’s decision,” states newly appointed executive director Tina Krause. “Lynne has set the executive director bar very high. I am grateful for the leadership and tutelage that she has provided these past three years. I am energized by this new career challenge and look forward to working with our entire Hospitality House team to continuing our mission of providing life-changing programs to people in need.” Krause will be responsible for managing the agency staff of twenty-four people, which includes fifteen full and part-time paid positions, three grant-driven positions and six intern positions, as well as the $1.25 million annual operating budget. She will continue to oversee the development of innovative programs and enhanced services. In her role as director of services Krause implemented the internship program, which includes both Hospitality House residents and Appalachian State University students, facilitated the launch of Circles of the High Country and secured a grant funding partnership with Blue Ridge Seeds of Change and Heifer International. Additionally, she initiated parenting classes, resume workshops, art and music therapy and connected with Appalachian State’s Kaleidoscope program to provide afterschool tutoring and mentoring for the children of Hospitality House. Chris Burns, chair of the Hospitality House board of directors, stated his pleasure with the board’s decision. “I am confident that the board got it right. The personnel committee, led by Chris May, conducted a thorough appraisal of the agency and the appointment of Tina was wholly validated when her new position was announced to the staff and they all erupted in sustained applause.” Ms. Krause will assume the role of executive director July 1, 2014 and will be working closely with Ms. Mason on the transition over the next ten weeks. “Often times we are taught to believe that we must accomplish extraordinary things to be successful,” states Krause. “However, I believe that the most extraordinary thing that we can do is to walk side-by-side with people offering support, love and care as they seek to rebuild their lives. Being present in the lives of others is a gift unto itself and it is that gift I hope to convey to our community as we continue to walk side-by-side in this important work of caring for others.” For further information, please contact Todd Carter at 828.264.1237 ext. 107 or
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. To learn more about Hospitality House, visit them online at www.HospHouse.org.